Lot 541
  • 541

Nicolaus Knupfer

Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 USD
bidding is closed

Description

  • Nicolaus Knupfer
  • Doubting Thomas
  • oil on panel
  • 7 by 11 in.; 17.8 by 27.9 cm.

Provenance

Possibly C.P. Henry;
Possibly his sale, Paris, Michalon, 30 March-4 April 1818, lot 158 (as N.Knufer [sic.], where called "Saint Thomas doutant de la résurrection de Jésus-Christ, s'en assure en mettant le doigt dans sa plaie"), to Sibire.

Literature

Possibly J. Saxton, Nicolaus Knupfer, Doornspijk 2005, p. 244, cat. no. D-C 6 (where listed under Unidentified References: Drawings).

Condition

Panel is uncradled, flat and stable. paint surface has been well preserved with good impasto and detail on figures. ultraviolet light reveals scattered, small retouches to torso, arm and legs of Christ and some tiny ones on his face. other very small retouches here and there on some of the figures and in background. these have been well applied and painting is presentable as is. In a black ebonized wood frame.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Catalogue Note

Though not officially published in Jo Saxton's 2005 monograph on Knupfer, this may be the picture which Saxton refers to amongst the works which are linked to unidentified references. One of these works is a Doubting Thomas which is mentioned by Hofstede de Groot, and was sold at Michalon in Paris in 1818, as the property of C.P. Henry.

We are grateful to Dr. Jo Saxton for confirming the attribution of the present picture, based on photographs.